Veda Louise (Smith) Willson

Veda Louise Willson, 78 of Petoskey, Michigan, died July 28, 2015 at Mallard Cove Assisted Living.

Veda was born in Flint, Michigan, on March 28, 1937, the daughter of Orley and Ruth Smith.

She grew up in Petoskey and graduated from Petoskey High School.

On September 7, 1955, she married Lee Willson.  Together, they made a home, had three sons and owned and operated their business, Willson's Garden Center.

Veda was a member and choir director at the First Christian Church for 35 years; in 2005, Veda established the church's Community Kitchen.  

She enjoyed knitting, jigsaw puzzles, and spending time with her children and grandkids.

Veda is survived by her husband, of 59 years, Lee Willson; her sons, David (Sharon) Willson, Patrick (Mary) Willson and Michael (Margie) Willson; eight grandchildren, Adam (Ellen) Willson, Duane Willson, Austin Willson, Justin Willson, Jacob Willson, Tessa Willson, Stephen Bartha (Elena Forzani) and John Bartha; two great grandchildren, Serenity Bartha and Giuliana Bartha; a brother, Howard Smith and a sister Karen Smith. Veda was preceded in death by her brother, David Smith.

There will be a funeral service at The First Christian Church in Petoskey on July 30 at 11:00 a.m. with an hour visitation prior to the service.

 Service Information